A national scheme is again offering free holiday places for children in Cambridgeshire this Easter.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers primary and secondary school children in Cambridgeshire the chance to enjoy exciting experiences at a wide range of holiday opportunities.

With a focus on providing healthy meals alongside engaging activities, the programme is ideal for children who want to stay healthy and active this Easter.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the HAF scheme enables local authorities to coordinate free holiday childcare and enriching experiences locally.

Each session will include a nutritious meal, a variety of exciting experiences or sports and the opportunity to socialise with other children.

Any child receiving benefit-related free school meals is eligible for the programme, which will run from April 2-12.

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People Committee, said: “I am delighted that we can continue this wonderful scheme in Cambridgeshire during the school Easter holidays.

"The benefits that this programme brings run directly alongside the work we’re already doing to educate children and young people. We hope that this will further promote the benefits of physical activity, in a variety of forms, as well as the emphasis on nutritious eating.”

Approximately 19,000 HAF eligibility vouchers were sent to families on March 1. Each voucher offers 16 hours of access, for no charge, to a HAF scheme during the Easter school holidays.

The programme will be delivered by approved providers, co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council.

The Council is working with schools, childcare providers, and voluntary and community organisations to deliver the programme.

As part of the programme, eligible children can access a range of entertaining opportunities that can help develop skills and knowledge. 

On offer is a variety of holiday schemes including sports, playschemes, drama, technology, outdoor adventure, and youth schemes and at least one meal a day.

Parents will be supported with information and signposting to other services and support which might be helpful to families.

More information on Cambridgeshire County Council's website.